Monday, November 24, 2014

On Thursday, 13 November 2014, the Society Against Sexual Orientation
Discrimination (SASOD) in collaboration with the United States Embassy
engaged members of the diplomatic community at roundtable discussion of
SASOD’ report titled “On Devil’s Island: A UPR Submission on LGBT Human
Rights in Guyana.” The 11-page report was submitted to the United
Nations Human Rights Council on June 15 this year ahead of Guyana’s
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in early 2015.

Bryan Hunt, Charge d' Affaires, US Embassy

Hosted
by the Charge’ d’ Affaires of the US Embassy, Bryan Hunt, the
diplomatic roundtable was organised to facilitate this engagement ahead
of Guyana’s UPR pre-session on December 4, 2014, in Geneva. In his
opening remarks, Mr Hunt welcomed the representatives of the diplomatic
community and emphasized that this gathering is to enable them to submit
accurate, updated information on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) rights ahead of Guyana’s UPR.

Robert Adelson, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy

The
roundtable was chaired by US Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Robert
Adelson. Presenting the report on behalf of SASOD were Advocacy and
Communications Officer, Schemel Patrick, Managing Director, Joel Simpson
and Social Change Coordinator, Chelauna Providence.

Schemel Patrick, Advocacy and Communications Officer, SASOD

In
her introduction, Schemel Patrick gave an overview of UPR and its
significance. She outlined that the “Universal Period Review is of
paramount importance because it provides an opportunity for countries to
declare what actions they have taken to improve human rights situations
and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights. The UPR
assesses the human rights records of UN member states in an effort to
address human rights violations wherever they occur.”

Joel Simpson, Managing Director, SASOD

Mr
Simpson presented on the legal framework highlighting especially the
punitive laws which perpetuate targeted violence and wanton
discrimination against LGBT people as they are socially and sporadically
enforced by police and magistrates. Simpson also addressed in detail
the violations of civil and political rights of LGBT people in Guyana,
specifically focusing on the rights to life, liberty and personal
security; right to equality; right to privacy; freedom of expression and
restrictions against hate speech; as well as SASOD’s recommendations to
address these issues. He reiterated SASOD’s call for the removal of
Government Minister and Member of Parliament Juan Edghill who the report
cites as “flagrantly inciting hatred and intolerance in the public
sphere in direct contravention of the Guyana Constitution.” Edghill made
headlines when he appeared on the local radio programme “Hard Talk” on
June 15, 2014, spewing hate-filled remarks against LGBT people.

Chelauna Providence, Social Change Coordinator, SASOD

SASOD’s
Social Change Coordinator Chelauna Providence presented on homophobic
and transphobic discrimination affects LGBT Guyanese in their enjoyment
of social and economic rights. She focused on basic rights such as the
rights to work and housing, the right to health and the right to
education. Providence addressed the recent Education Bill which was
brought to Parliament in June this year and its draft non-discrimination
clause which did not include sexual orientation and gender identity as
grounds. She stated that “Government has so far squandered what would
have been a good opportunity to outlaw homophobic and transphobic
bullying in schools. The missed a golden opportunity to address issues
which are plaguing many Guyanese children and inhibiting their abilities
to access education. Anti-LGBT bulling is happening in schools and it’s
not being addressed.”In closing, Providence urged the diplomatic
representatives to familiarize themselves with the mechanisms that
exist to promote and protect fundamental Human Rights in Guyana by
engaging Civil Society organizations, government and the populace. She
highlighted the abuses of the rights and freedoms, particularly of
women, children and LGBT people throughout the country, resulting in
some of the highest rates and earliest reports of child sexual abuse,
skyrocketing suicide rates and continued gaps in access health services,
particularly for key affected populations, especially LGBT persons.
Lastly, they were encouraged to share the information as they engaged in
dialogue, among their institutions and other colleagues whose countries
sit on the UN Human Rights Council. “We especially encourage you to
share with your capitals the human rights situation in Guyana as it
relates to LGBT persons,” she stressed.After the presentations,
there was an interactive discussion. Many diplomatic representatives
commended SASOD on its work, keeping these issues prominent on the
national agenda, and reiterated their commitment to continuing their
support of the work to address LGBT issues. Some issues raised included
the need for an independent Human Rights Commission in Guyana; one which
is free from political interference, and the need to invest in claiming
legal rights for LGBT Guyanese.

James Bjorkman, Political and Economic Affairs Chief, US Embassy

In
his closing remarks, the US Embassy’s Political and Economic Affairs
Chief, James Bjorkman, thanked SASOD for their comprehensive report and
presentations and encouraged his colleagues in the room to have
meaningful discussions with their headquarters and other missions about
LGBT issues in Guyana as its review comes up in early 2015 before the UN
Human Rights Council in Geneva.

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About SASOD

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is a human rights organisation and movement dedicated to achieving equality and justice for all Guyanese, especially those suffering discrimination based on their sexuality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We support similar work in Latin America and the Caribbean, Americas, Commonwealth, Global South and worldwide.